Store opens with donation to local school

My City Council colleagues and I welcomed the Big Lots to its new location at 1020 W. Imperial Highway.

Big Lots relocated to the new 26,400-square-foot store from its old location at the northeast corner of Harbor and La Habra boulevards. The ribbon cutting ceremony was a grand event and I am pleased to report Big Lots demonstrated its civic commitment by making a $1,500 donation to Las Positas Elementary School. I wish Big Lots great success at their new home.

City shares green message

The Public Works Department held its annual Earth Day and Arbor Day event at El Centro-Lions Park. Composting mulch and tree seedlings were handed out and the city conducted an informational fair to educate residents about the importance of water conservation, composting and other environmental friendly efforts. Additionally, volunteers were recruited to participate in the KaBoom! playground construction project next month at Portola Park. KaBoom! is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide children everywhere with access to play equipment at local parks.

For more information about the city's "green" programs, contact the Public Works Department at 562-905-9792. To learn more about KaBoom! or to participate in the playground construction at Portola Park, contact the Community Services Department at 562-905-9708.

Also, I wanted to offer my belated thanks for the generosity of the La Habra Host Lions, who purchased and donated 100 trees to the city's parks system. Ninety four Italian Cypresses were planted along the east side of Osornio Park by members of the Lions and the Leos Club, along with members from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The remaining six trees were planted by the volunteers at El Centro-Lion's Park. The kindness and civic-mindedness of our local service organizations knows no bounds and this bountiful gift once again proves that La Habra truly is "A Caring Community."

Fridays at the library

In a bit of good news for "book worms," La Habra Library Branch Manager Jill Patterson has informed the city that the Orange County Public Library has funding in place to ensure the La Habra Branch remains open on Fridays through August 2015.

You may recall that in 2008 the county reserved $310,000 to keep the library open on Fridays and based on current expenditures and patron attendance, the library remains in good shape. I am pleased to hear this news and encourage everyone to visit their local library.

Old drain repaired after sinkhole

A sinkhole recently appeared at the southeast corner of Lambert Road and Walnut Street as a result of a damaged storm drain. Although the sinkhole did not impede vehicular traffic, the traffic signal post was removed to accommodate repairs to the storm drain.

The metal storm drain has been replaced with a new concrete storm drain and related sidewalk work. The cost of the repair work was about $23,000, an unexpected expense that our city – with an aging infrastructure – must contend. The traffic signal post and arm were re-installed back into the existing footing. Because of the heavy traffic volumes on Lambert Road, staff coordinated with the Police Department to provide traffic control.

Fire station bug free

The fumigation of Los Angeles County Fire Department Station No. 193 at 1000 W. Risner Way is complete and fire personnel are back in quarters. Now that the fumigation is done, some minor repair and painting work will be done at the station, which should begin in 30 to 45 days. The work will not impact public safety operations.

Distracted drivers reminded of law

April was designated as "National Distracted Driving Awareness" month. Inattention by drivers is one of the leading causes of traffic collisions. The La Habra Police Department, at the request of the Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, participated in the effort to enforce laws relating to distracted driving.

La Habra police officers wrote 388 distracted driving-related citations during the month of April – 244 for cell phone violations. The remaining violations were generally speed or turning violations where the driver was distracted by something other than a cell phone.

Appointments made

The City Council appointed Dan Casey and Jerry Powell to the Police Department Rewards Board. The board establishes policies necessary for the effective use of reward funds used in solving major felony crimes.

James Gomez is a councilman and former mayor for the city of La Habra. Reach him at 714-738-5926.

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